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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

IIFL Home Finance Secures $150 Million Japan International Cooperation Agency Loan to Expand Affordable Housing

• Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has signed a US$150 million loan agreement with IIFL Home Finance Limited (IIHFL) to expand affordable housing finance for low-income women in India.
• The financing will support women belonging to Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and Low-Income Groups (LIG) in purchasing homes.
• The US$150 million JICA loan will provide long-term financing to increase homeownership opportunities for low-income women.
• The project will be implemented through a co-financing arrangement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and private financial institutions, including MUFG Bank Ltd.
• The JICA funds will be on-lent through IIFL Home Finance to finance home acquisitions for low-income women in urban and peri-urban areas across India.
• The initiative aims to improve living standards, strengthen financial inclusion, promote women’s economic empowerment and increase access to affordable housing.
• Women currently account for only around 30% of housing finance users in India, highlighting the project's focus on increasing women's participation in housing finance.
• The project contributes to three United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 1 – No Poverty, SDG 5 – Gender Equality, and SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities.
• The initiative also supports the G7 2X Challenge: Financing for Women, which promotes increased financing and economic opportunities for women.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to Launch ₹1 Trillion Rayalaseema Horticulture Hub

• Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman laid the foundation stone for the ₹1 trillion Rayalaseema Horticulture Hub at Madanapalle, Andhra Pradesh.

Key Highlights :

• The Rayalaseema Horticulture Hub is a three-year project running from 2026 to 2029, covering 201 clusters across 10 districts of Andhra Pradesh.
• The project has a total investment framework of around ₹1 trillion, comprising approximately ₹40,352 crore in public investment and about ₹60,000 crore expected from the private sector.
• The project integrates irrigation, horticulture, rural roads and value-chain infrastructure to develop a climate-resilient, high-value horticulture-led economy in Rayalaseema.
• The investment framework includes ₹20,884 crore for irrigation, ₹14,906 crore for horticulture and ₹4,562 crore for rural roads.
• The project aims to expand horticulture cultivation to 1.44 million hectares, nearly double horticultural production and improve the incomes and livelihoods of around 6 lakh farmers.
• The project seeks to shift farmers from low-value rainfed crops towards climate-resilient and high-value horticulture.
• The Rayalaseema Horticulture Hub will be implemented in three phases and six semi-annual implementation packages (IP1 to IP6) to coordinate water availability, crop expansion and logistics.
• Phase I, up to July 2027, will receive ₹12,066 crore and focus on completing reservoirs, lift irrigation systems and tanks, activating 72 initial clusters and constructing important last-mile rural roads.
• Phase II, from August 2027 to July 2028, will involve an investment of ₹15,036 crore.
• Phase III, from August 2028 to July 2029, will involve an investment of ₹13,250 crore.
• The project is part of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s roadmap to unlock the agricultural potential of Rayalaseema through horticulture-led development.
• Andhra Pradesh’s banana exports have increased significantly, rising from 246 tonnes in 2016–17 to more than 1 lakh tonnes shipped from Anantapur to Iran alone, highlighting the growth potential of the horticulture sector.
• An Integrated Horticulture Development Project (IHDP) is designed to strengthen the complete horticulture value chain, covering harvesting, processing, storage, value addition and exports.
• The project aims to address post-harvest losses of 15–20% through improved supply-chain management, quality control, packaging and value addition.
• The government plans to establish food-processing units, cold storages and value-addition centres alongside horticulture clusters to help farmers obtain better prices.
• An agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will support the establishment of a food cluster in Andhra Pradesh, attracting investment in the processing, value addition and export of mango, banana and cocoa.
• The planned value-added products include mango pulp, banana powder/chips, chilli oleoresin, tomato puree and dehydrated fruits, which can reduce dependence on fresh-fruit exports and protect farmers from international market price fluctuations.

 CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

Tamil Nadu Expands Vetri Payanam Thittam for Women and Transgender Persons

• Tamil Nadu launched the expanded Vetri Payanam Thittam in Chennai on 2 October 2026.
• The scheme was earlier known as Vidiyal Payanam Thittam.

Key Highlights

• The scheme provides cost-free bus travel for women and transgender persons on selected services operated by the Tamil Nadu Government.
• The expanded scheme covers Ordinary, Express, Limited Stop Service and Deluxe buses.
• It also covers buses operating within corporations, municipalities, town panchayats and hill areas, along with ordinary suburban buses between districts and buses travelling beyond 40 kilometres.
• There is no income-based eligibility limit, no caste-based restriction and no limit on the number of journeys per day under the scheme.
• Beneficiaries are required to carry a valid Aadhaar card to obtain zero-fare tickets.
• A total of 12,692 buses operated by 7 Tamil Nadu Government transport corporations are covered under the scheme.
• The Government estimates that around 84 lakh women will benefit every day, with more than 16 lakh one-way journeys expected to be undertaken daily under the expanded scheme.
• Around 50 private bus owners and operators held a silent protest in Vellore on 27 September 2026, seeking the inclusion of private buses under the scheme.
• The Tamil Nadu Government also released a video outlining the duties of bus conductors for implementing the expanded scheme.

About Tamil Nadu:

• Chief Minister: Joseph Vijay
• Governor: Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar (Additional Charge)
• Capital: Chennai
• National Parks: Guindy National Park, Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, Indira Gandhi (Anamalai) National Park, Mudumalai National Park, Mukurthi National Park, Palani Hills National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Kalakad Wildlife Sanctuary, Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary, Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary, Srivilliputhur Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary, Pulicat Lake Wildlife Sanctuary, Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary

India Identifies 28 Geographical Places and Features in Ladakh

• The Government of India, in consultation with the Union Territory Administration of Ladakh, has officially identified 28 places and geographical features in Ladakh using standard names on the Survey of India official map.
• The initiative, according to the Ministry of Science and Technology, aims to ensure accurate identification of geographical features and create greater public awareness about them.

Key Highlights

• The 28 identified features include peaks, mountains, passes, glaciers, valleys, rivers, lakes, land areas and other water bodies.
• The 28 places and geographical features are:

• The identified passes are Chapchingal Pass and Shachmirk Pass, while Parpik and Skamri Glacier have been identified as glaciers.
• Shkorga Valley, Guru Rinpoche Lake, Yangpa River and Hot Spring have been classified respectively as a valley, lake, river and water body.
• Brangsa, Kuksel, Dehra Compass, Gogra, Kumarayana Point, Panglung and Shamal Lungpa have been classified as land areas.
• The newly identified places and geographical features can be viewed on the official Survey of India map of Ladakh.
• The move provides standardised names on the official Survey of India map, facilitating accurate recognition of these geographical features and promoting wider public awareness.

About Ladakh:

• Lieutenant Governor: Vinai Kumar Saxena
• Capital: Leh
• National Parks: Hemis National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary, Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary

Intelligent Traffic Management System Project Approved for Delhi Police

• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved implementation of the Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) Project by Delhi Police at an estimated cost of ₹1,789.52 crore, including taxes.
• The project will cover 42 identified traffic corridors and will be implemented in 3 phases over 24 months, followed by 5 years of operation and maintenance.

Key Highlights

• The technology-driven system aims to improve traffic management, transport infrastructure and urban mobility in the National Capital by using real-time traffic data, adaptive traffic signals, automated enforcement and integrated command-and-control systems.
• Delhi has around 71 lakh active registered vehicles, while the growth in vehicles has significantly exceeded the expansion of road infrastructure.
• Adaptive Traffic Control Systems will automatically adjust signal timings according to prevailing traffic conditions and coordinate signals across identified corridors, helping reduce unnecessary stoppages and delays.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based analytics will assist in identifying stolen, hot-listed and blacklisted vehicles, repeat violators and vehicles associated with hit-and-run incidents.
• City-wide traffic regulation, enforcement and information dissemination will be integrated through Traffic Command and Control Centres, supported by secure Data Centre and Disaster Recovery infrastructure.
• The system will follow open standards and Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to support future integration and scalability.
• The project will cover 1,092 Adaptive Traffic Control System locations and 1,029 enforcement locations.
• Delhi Police will implement the project through a Master System Integrator, selected through competitive bidding.
• The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) will provide technical support as the Project Management Consultant, including technical scrutiny, monitoring, validation and acceptance during implementation and the operation and maintenance period.

Green Energy Corridor Phase-III Scheme Approved by Union Cabinet

• The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the Green Energy Corridor Phase-III (GEC-III) Scheme to strengthen India’s Intra-State Transmission System (InSTS) and facilitate the evacuation of up to 135 Gigawatt (GW) of renewable energy across States and Union Territories.
• The scheme includes deployment of 50 Gigawatt-hour (GWh) of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) at renewable energy developer/generator locations or other strategically important locations to improve grid flexibility.

Key Highlights

• The Battery Energy Storage Systems will help address renewable energy intermittency, transmission congestion, peak-hour curtailment and demand during non-solar hours, thereby supporting efficient grid integration and power evacuation within States and Union Territories.
• The scheme is targeted for completion by Financial Year 2032-33, with a total project outlay of ₹1,86,405 crore.
• The total outlay comprises:
• ₹1,36,378 crore for development of Intra-State Transmission Systems under Green Energy Corridor Phase-III.
• ₹50,000 crore for deployment of 50 Gigawatt-hour Battery Energy Storage Systems.
• The scheme provides total Central Financial Support of ₹54,082 crore. This Central Financial Assistance will help offset Intra-State transmission charges, thereby keeping electricity costs lower and ultimately benefiting electricity consumers.
• All Greenfield projects under the Intra-State Transmission System component will be implemented through Tariff Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB).
• Brownfield upgradation and network strengthening works will be implemented on a Cost Plus Basis (CPB).
• State Transmission Utilities will serve as the overall implementing agencies. Under the Tariff Based Competitive Bidding model, Transmission Service Providers (TSPs) will participate through the Build-Own-Operate-Maintain (BOOM) model.
• The scheme will support India’s target of achieving 900 Gigawatt of installed non-fossil fuel-based capacity by 2035.
• Green Energy Corridor Phase-III is expected to strengthen long-term energy security, promote ecologically sustainable growth and reduce the country’s carbon footprint.

India Adds Five New Sites to UNESCO Tentative List of World Heritage

• India has added 5 new sites to the UNESCO Tentative List of World Heritage, taking the country’s total number of sites on the Tentative List to 78.
• The five additions are:
• Bagh Cave Paintings – Madhya Pradesh
• Group of Temples of the Chambal Valley – Bateshwar, Padavali and Kakarmath, Madhya Pradesh
• Udaigiri Caves – Madhya Pradesh
• Ginnorgarh – Madhya Pradesh
• Sites of Satyagraha – a proposed serial transnational property covering India and South Africa.

Key Highlights

• Udaigiri Caves comprise a rock-cut sacred complex developed mainly under Gupta patronage between the late 4th and early 5th centuries.
• The site contains 20 excavated caves, sculptural panels, inscriptions, circulation paths, rock surfaces with early marks and inscriptions, and associated topographical and hydrological features forming an integrated ritual landscape.
• Bagh Caves consist of 9 rock-cut Buddhist caves situated on the southern slope of the Vindhyan Range along the Baghni River in western Madhya Pradesh. Their location is notable because they represent the only sandstone outcrop in an otherwise basaltic region, which influenced their architectural design and the preservation of their mural paintings.
• Ginnorgarh Fort served as the principal fortified capital of the erstwhile Raj Gond rulers of central India.
• The Group of Temples of the Chambal Valley includes Bateshwar, Padavali and Kakarmath in Madhya Pradesh.
• The proposed Sites of Satyagraha is a serial transnational property representing the evolution of Mahatma Gandhi’s idea of Satyagraha, from its conceptualisation in South Africa to its experimentation, consolidation and institutionalisation in India.
• The proposed Satyagraha nomination contains 9 components: 2 in South Africa and 7 in India. Gandhi lived in South Africa from 1893 to 1914, spending 21 years there, before spending most of his later life in India.
• The 2 South African components are Pietermaritzburg Station and Phoenix Settlement.
• The 7 Indian components are Mahatma Gandhi Satyagraha Smarak, Sabarmati Ashram, Mani Bhavan Complex, Harijan Sevak Sangh Complex, Sevagram Ashram, Aga Khan Palace and Gandhi Smriti Residence.
• These sites collectively represent different stages of Satyagraha: inception as resistance to racial discrimination at Pietermaritzburg Station; the exploratory phase associated with Phoenix Settlement and communities based on truth and non-violence; consolidation and evolution into mass civil disobedience through sites such as Mahatma Gandhi Satyagraha Smarak, Sabarmati Ashram and Mani Bhavan; and institutionalisation of the movement’s legacy through Harijan Sevak Sangh, Sevagram, Aga Khan Palace and Gandhi Smriti.
• A site must first be included in the UNESCO Tentative List before it can be considered for inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Traditional Mandar Musical Instrument of Jharkhand Receives Geographical Indication Tag

• The traditional Mandar musical instrument of Jharkhand, which is deeply associated with the state's folk culture and tribal life, has received a Geographical Indication (GI) Tag, providing official legal recognition to its distinctive geographical and cultural identity.

Key Highlights

• The Geographical Indications Registry, Government of India, based in Chennai, granted the GI tag to “Mandar of Jharkhand.”
• The application for the GI tag was filed on 24 September 2021.
• Key features supporting the GI application included its traditional craftsmanship, use of locally sourced red clay, indigenous manufacturing techniques and distinctive sound.
• The GI recognition provides the traditional Mandar artisans and their products with a distinct identity linked to Jharkhand and a stronger foundation for expanding their reach in domestic and international markets under officially recognised GI status.
• “Mandar Samrat” Manpuran Nayak described Mandar as an integral part of Jharkhand’s cultural heritage and stated that the GI recognition is a tribute to the ancestors and the soil of Jharkhand.

About Jharkhand:

• Chief Minister: Hemant Soren
• Governor: Santosh Kumar Gangwar
• Capital: Ranchi
• National Parks: Betla National Park, Hazaribagh National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary, Hazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary, Koderma Wildlife Sanctuary, Palamau Wildlife Sanctuary, Palkot Wildlife Sanctuary, Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary

Centre Sanctions Over ₹1,200 Crore Under Prime Minister Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana to 10 States

• The Central Government has sanctioned more than ₹1,200 crore to 10 states under the Prime Minister Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana as part of efforts to strengthen agricultural development, improve farmers’ livelihoods and enhance food security.
• Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan made the announcement while addressing the second day of the National Agriculture Conference – Rabi Campaign 2026.

Key Highlights

• Under the Prime Minister Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, sanction letters were handed over to Agriculture Ministers of 10 states, with the following allocations:
• West Bengal – ₹290 crore
• Haryana – ₹198 crore
• Chhattisgarh – ₹181 crore
• Arunachal Pradesh – ₹154 crore
• Bihar – ₹114 crore
• Karnataka – ₹104 crore
• Mizoram – ₹75 crore
• Himachal Pradesh – ₹64 crore
• Jharkhand – ₹58 crore
• Punjab – ₹43 crore
• The conference was attended by Union Ministers of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Ram Nath Thakur and Bhagirath Choudhary, Agriculture Secretary Atish Chandra, Indian Council of Agricultural Research Director General Dr M. L. Jat, along with senior officials, scientists and representatives of agricultural institutions.
• According to Chouhan, the agriculture sector growth rate increased from 3% in 2015 to 4.5%, while the average annual increase in foodgrain production more than doubled from around 40 lakh tonnes to 84 lakh tonnes.
• Rabi foodgrain production increased by 205 lakh tonnes between 2023–24 and 2025–26, which the minister attributed to the combined efforts of state agriculture departments, scientists and farmers.
• At the state level, a State Agriculture Team will include the Agriculture Minister, Agriculture Secretary, state agricultural universities, Indian Council of Agricultural Research institutions, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, Agricultural Technology Management Agency, Farmer Producer Organisations, progressive farmers, processors, exporters and nodal officers of the Central Government.
• At the district level, monthly meetings will involve the Collector, Deputy Director of Agriculture, Agricultural Technology Management Agency, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, Indian Council of Agricultural Research scientists, bankers and farmers.
• An annual calendar for Kharif and Rabi campaign preparations was announced:
• Kharif campaign: District-level meetings on 10 May and State-level meetings on 17 May every year.
• Rabi campaign: District-level meetings on 10 September and State-level meetings on 17 September every year.
• A nationwide one-day common meeting will also bring together Agriculture Ministers, officials and agricultural scientists to discuss farmers’ issues.
• A nationwide “Khet Bachao Abhiyan” will be conducted from 22 October to 30 November to promote soil health and environmental sustainability.
• States were encouraged to promote pulse cultivation in rice-fallow areas of eastern India, particularly Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha and West Bengal, after the paddy harvest.
• For the Rabi season, recommendations on crops and improved seeds should be based on soil moisture and water availability.
• The government will undertake 100% assured procurement of tur, urad and masoor at Minimum Support Price, with arrangements to ensure that farmers receive payments within 48 hours.

Kerala Develops Artificial Intelligence-Based Dengue Early Warning System

• Scientists at the Institute of Advanced Virology, Kerala have developed a Dengue Early Warning System using machine learning, epidemiological data and weather variables to forecast dengue trends at the district level and help public-health authorities take preventive action before outbreaks intensify.

Key Highlights

• The Dengue Early Warning System combines dengue surveillance data with climatic factors such as rainfall, temperature and humidity to generate weekly forecasts of dengue trends.
• The system was developed by Abhinand C. S., a scientist at the Institute of Advanced Virology, using six years of data from March 2020 to February 2026.
• Epidemiological data are obtained from the Kerala State Surveillance Unit, while meteorological information is sourced from the India Meteorological Department.
• The forecasts are classified into four risk levels: Very High, High, Moderate and Low, making the information easier for public-health authorities to interpret.
• A preliminary evaluation using State Surveillance Unit data from March to July 2026 found a positive correlation between predicted dengue trends and actual reported case patterns. However, this does not establish that the
• According to the World Health Organization, environmental factors such as temperature, rainfall and humidity, along with urbanisation, population movement, water-storage practices and population immunity to circulating dengue virus serotypes, influence dengue transmission.
• The World Health Organization supports climate-informed early-warning systems for dengue.
• Its Early Warning and Response System for Climate-Sensitive Diseases combines environmental and disease surveillance to help identify outbreaks before they occur, with some models capable of providing warnings approximately 12 weeks in advance.
• The World Health Organization's dengue early-warning guidance recommends using historical disease data, indicators associated with forthcoming outbreaks and real-time outbreak detection and response systems.
• Scientific research also supports the relationship between climate and dengue in Kerala. A 2026 study published in GeoHealth, based on 14 years of dengue and climate data from Kerala, found strong seasonality, with nearly 60% of dengue cases occurring during the southwest monsoon from June to September.
• It identified temperature, rainfall, relative humidity and El Niño-Southern Oscillation conditions as important predictors, while a machine-learning model captured relationships between climate and dengue incidence.

About Kerala:

• Chief Minister: V. D. Satheesan
• Governor: Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar
• Capital: Thiruvananthapuram
• National Parks: Eravikulam National Park, Periyar National Park, Silent Valley National Park, Mathikettan Shola National Park, Anamudi Shola National Park, Pambadum Shola National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary, Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary, Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary, Kurinjimala Wildlife Sanctuary

Gujarat Restructures Porbandar Forest Division to Strengthen Asiatic Lion Conservation in Barda

• The Gujarat Government has initiated the restructuring of the Porbandar Forest Division to strengthen forest management and facilitate the rehabilitation of Asiatic lions in the Barda area, which is being developed as a “second home” for the big cats amid the rising lion population in the state.

Key Highlights

• The restructuring is part of a fast-track exercise to strengthen the management of the Barda area following the natural return of Asiatic lions to Barda after 143 years.
• The reorganisation aims to provide greater flexibility in implementing departmental schemes, improve forest management, resolve forest and environment-related issues, and support the rehabilitation of lions in Barda.
• The restructuring includes the formation of new range-beats, allocation of area responsibilities, deployment of two Assistant Conservators of Forests, and consolidation of related staff and equipment.
• The reorganisation is expected to provide clearer responsibilities for officers and personnel and enable more streamlined ground-level operations within the Porbandar Forest Division.
• According to the May 2026 Asiatic Lion Census, Gujarat's estimated Asiatic lion population increased to 891, compared with 674 in June 2020, reflecting an increase of 217 lions over five years.
• Under the Government Resolution, Porbandar and Ranavav have been divided into separate beats for forest conservation, patrolling and other departmental operations.
• Following the restructuring, the number of range forests in the Porbandar Forest Division has increased to seven, which will remain under the Junagadh Wildlife Circle.
• The restructured Porbandar Range covers 80 villages and 6,840.84 hectares, while the Ranavav Range covers 27 villages and 13,051.25 hectares.
• 305.94 hectares of the Bhatia Range of the neighbouring Jamnagar Forest Division have been brought under the Bhanwad Range of the Porbandar Forest Division.
• The Social Forestry Ranges of Kutiyana and Ranavan have also been brought under the Porbandar Forest Division.
• Following the reorganisation, two Assistant Conservators of Forests have been assigned responsibility for supervising and operating different areas.
• The restructuring has come into force with immediate effect, creating an integrated administrative structure and a stronger administrative framework for forest management and Asiatic lion rehabilitation in the Barda area.

About Gujarat:

• Chief Minister: Bhupendra Patel
• Governor: Acharya Dev Vrat
• Capital: Gandhinagar
• National Parks: Gir, Blackbuck, Gulf of Kutch (Marine), Vansda National Parks
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Nal Sarovar Bird, Wild Ass, Kutch Desert, Barda, Purna Wildlife Sanctuaries

Ministry of Labour and Employment Launches 90-Day Shram Samvad Campaign on Four Labour Codes

• The Ministry of Labour and Employment has launched the 90-day “Shram Samvad” awareness campaign to improve understanding and implementation of the four Labour Codes.
• The campaign will cover industrial clusters across 316 districts in all 36 States and Union Territories.

Key Highlights

• The campaign will involve consultations with industry and other stakeholders on implementing the new labour law framework, including lawyers and Chartered Accountants who advise businesses.
• While addressing the National Conference on Industrial Relations and Labour, organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry and Employers’ Federation of India, Mandaviya said India should not fear the impact of Artificial Intelligence on jobs, referring to the experience of the Information Technology sector.
• The National Classification of Occupations is the Government of India’s framework for classifying and standardising occupations and job roles in the country.
• It needs to evolve with changes in the nature of work and can also support the global mobility of Indian workers, especially in sectors such as caregiving, where demand is increasing in countries including Japan.
• Kumar stated that around 88–90% of India’s workforce is employed in the informal sector, while approximately 10–12% belongs to the formal sector.

Ministry of Steel to Set Up Steel Industry Safety Council and Steel Industry Safety Directorate to Strengthen Safety in Steel Sector

• The Ministry of Steel, Government of India, on 28 September 2026, announced the establishment of the Steel Industry Safety Council (SISC) as an apex-level industry safety body under the administrative control of the Ministry of Steel.
• The initiative aims to strengthen safety standards and practices, prevent accidents, and improve safety awareness across the steel industry.

Key Highlights

• The Steel Industry Safety Council will be headed by the Secretary, Ministry of Steel, as its Chairman.
• The Council will comprise senior officials of the Ministry of Steel, Chief Executives of integrated steel producers, and representatives of key technical and statutory organisations, including the Directorate General of Mines Safety, Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation, National Disaster Management Authority, and recognised steel technology institutions.
• The Steel Industry Safety Council will assess the safety situation in the steel industry and facilitate studies and improvements in existing safety practices.
• It will approve industry safety standards and recommended practices and review serious accidents, other accidents and near-miss incidents.
• The Council will also issue directions for strengthening safety awareness, training and preventive measures across the steel industry.
• To provide technical and professional support to the Council, a Steel Industry Safety Directorate (SISD) will be established.
• The Steel Industry Safety Directorate will have specialised expertise in process safety, blast furnaces, steel melting, rolling mills, coke ovens, refractory systems, electrical and mechanical safety, occupational health, fire engineering and disaster management.
• The Directorate will oversee the implementation of the Council’s decisions and conduct periodic safety audits and reviews.
• It will maintain and disseminate accident and near-miss information and conduct investigations into serious safety incidents.
• The Directorate will review emergency preparedness and safety training programmes in the steel industry.
• It will develop and issue Steel Industry Safety Standards, Recommended Practices and Guidelines suited to Indian conditions.
• The establishment of the Steel Industry Safety Council and Steel Industry Safety Directorate is aimed at promoting a stronger safety culture, improving the prevention of industrial accidents, and ensuring consistent safety practices across India’s steel industry.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

United States Department of Defense Launches 120-Day Project Meridian to Assess Future Warfare Technologies

• The United States (US) Department of Defense (DoD) has launched Project Meridian, a 120-day initiative to assess how emerging technologies could reshape future warfare and identify capabilities required for the next-generation battlefield.
• US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Project Meridian on 30 September 2026.
• Elon Musk, Palmer Luckey (CEO of defence technology company Anduril) and Newt Gingrich (former Republican Speaker of the US House of Representatives) are involved in leading the initiative.
• The primary objective of Project Meridian is to identify the technological and operational capabilities required to achieve technological dominance on the next-generation battlefield.
• The project will examine the military applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI), autonomous systems, directed-energy weapons, robotics and biotechnology.
• Project Meridian will also examine how the US military can integrate emerging technologies into military operations and prepare for warfare in untested environments, including underground domains.
• The 120-day review will conclude with an unclassified public report containing recommendations on the technological and operational requirements of future battlefields.
• Elon Musk is associated with companies including SpaceX, which operates in areas such as satellite communications and space-based capabilities relevant to defence.
• Palmer Luckey, the CEO of Anduril, represents the defence-technology industry and is involved in developing advanced technologies for military applications.
• Newt Gingrich previously served on the Pentagon’s Defense Policy Board during Donald Trump’s first presidential administration in 2020.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

Captain Smit Machchhar to Receive Visisht Gujarat Garima Award

• Gujarat Government will honour Captain Smit Machchhar with the Visisht Gujarat Garima Award for his extraordinary courage and bravery during the Flydubai flight FZ1073 incident.
• Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced the award, praising Captain Machchhar for his courage in protecting the lives of 174 passengers despite sustaining serious injuries during an attack in the cockpit.

Key Highlights

• Captain Machchhar is from Gujarat, although his family moved to Mumbai several years ago.
• Captain Machchhar sustained serious injuries after being stabbed by his co-pilot in the cockpit during the incident involving Flydubai flight FZ1073.
• He was initially receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
• The Embassy of India in Riyadh and the Consulate General of India in Jeddah were monitoring his health and maintaining contact with his family.
• The captain was subsequently being airlifted to Dubai for further medical treatment, according to the report.
• The Flydubai flight was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when it transmitted emergency signals.
• The aircraft descended sharply by more than 17,000 feet, from an altitude of around 34,000 feet, before being diverted to Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
• Prayers for Captain Machchhar’s recovery were held across India, including special prayers and Mahamrityunjaya Mantra Japa at Shree Somnath Temple for his health and long life.

Singapore Airlines Named World’s Best Airline at Skytrax World Airline Awards 2026

• Skytrax, an international air transport rating organisation, announced the World Airline Awards 2026 at a ceremony held at the Langham Hotel in London, United Kingdom.
• Based on global passenger survey results, Singapore Airlines (Singapore) was named the World’s Best Airline for 2026.

Key Highlights

• The top five airlines in the world in 2026 were:
• 1st – Singapore Airlines (Singapore)
• 2nd – Qatar Airways (Qatar)
• 3rd – Cathay Pacific Airways (Hong Kong)
• 4th – ANA All Nippon Airways (Japan)
• 5th – Turkish Airlines (Turkey)
• Singapore Airlines secured the World’s Best Airline title for the sixth time since the awards were introduced in 1999.
• Singapore Airlines also received the following awards:
• World’s Best Economy Class.
• World’s Best Economy Class Onboard Catering.
• Qatar Airways, ranked second globally, received multiple awards:
• World’s Best Business Class Airline for the 13th time.
• World’s Best Business Class Lounge for its Al Mourjan Lounge.
• Best Airline in the Middle East.
• World’s Best Onboard Wi-Fi.
• India and South Asia's airline rankings in 2026 were:
• 1st – Air India
• 2nd – IndiGo
• 3rd – Akasa Air
• 4th – Air India Express
• 5th – SriLankan Airlines
• 6th – SpiceJet
• 7th – BeOnd
• 8th – Biman Bangladesh Airlines
• 9th – Pakistan International Airlines
• 10th – Maldivian
• Air India ranked 57th globally, improving by 27 positions compared with 2025, and became the highest-ranked Indian airline.
• Air India received the titles of Best Airline in India and Best Airline Staff in India and South Asia. It was also recognised as the World’s Second Most Improved Airline for 2026.
• IndiGo ranked 61st globally, becoming the second-highest-ranked Indian airline despite a decline in its global position.
• IndiGo received the following regional awards:
• Best Low-Cost Airline in India and South Asia.
• Best Cabin Crew in India and South Asia.
• Cleanest Airline in India and South Asia.
• Akasa Air retained its third position in the India and South Asia regional ranking.
• SriLankan Airlines moved down from third position in the previous regional ranking to fifth position in 2026.
• Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, was named the World’s Best Long Haul Low-Cost Airline for the sixth consecutive year.
• The 2026 rankings were based on Skytrax's global passenger satisfaction survey, which evaluated airlines across various aspects of the travel experience, including:
• Cabin cleanliness.
• Onboard Wi-Fi.
• Airport services and lounges.
• Economy Class, Business Class and First Class services.
• The survey was conducted between September 2025 and August 2026, involving passengers from more than 100 nationalities.
• It collected 24.8 million eligible responses and covered more than 300 airlines worldwide.
• The World Airline Awards were introduced in 1999 and are widely regarded as the “Oscars of the Aviation Industry”.
• The awards are based on passenger feedback rather than rankings determined by Skytrax's editorial team. They are designed to remain independent and impartial, without sponsorship involvement.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and SkyPulse Solutions Sign MoU for Deployment of 30 Helicopters Worth ₹2,491 Crore

• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and SkyPulse Solutions IFSC Private Limited have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop a framework for the acquisition, financing, leasing, deployment and lifecycle support of HAL-manufactured helicopters.
• The proposed programme covers up to 30 helicopters, with an estimated value of ₹2,491 crore.

Key Highlights

• The helicopter acquisition programme will be implemented in two phases:
• 10 helicopters are targeted for acquisition during 2027–2029.
• The remaining 20 helicopters are planned for acquisition from 2030 onwards.
• The initial induction of helicopters is planned for Financial Year 2027–28, subject to technical and commercial evaluations, financing arrangements, regulatory approvals and the execution of definitive agreements.
• The final composition of the fleet, comprising single-engine and twin-engine helicopters, will be decided based on operational requirements, technical suitability and commercial considerations.
• The collaboration will explore financing and leasing models through GIFT City International Financial Services Centre (IFSC), including:
• Finance leases and operating leases.
• Direct purchases.
• Sale-and-leaseback arrangements.
• Other structured financing models.
• The framework aims to facilitate the deployment of Indian-manufactured helicopters across civil, government and mission-critical applications, including:
• Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
• Disaster response, search and rescue operations.
• Regional connectivity and passenger services.
• Tourism and pilgrimage transportation.
• Government aviation and infrastructure operations.
• Corporate mobility and charter services.
• The MoU also covers the development of lifecycle support infrastructure, including spare parts, maintenance, engineering assistance and training facilities.
• HAL and SkyPulse may establish a joint working group to assess the technical, commercial, financing and implementation requirements of the proposed programme.
• According to SkyPulse, deployment of the 30 helicopters could generate approximately 450 direct high-skilled aviation jobs and contribute to wider employment generation.
• The programme is expected to create additional demand for aviation operations, engineering, maintenance and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

HDFC Bank Appoints Anup Bagchi as New Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer

• HDFC Bank has appointed Anup Bagchi as its new Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO) following approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
• Anup Bagchi will be appointed as an Additional Director of HDFC Bank from 2 October 2026 and will take charge as MD & CEO on 27 October 2026.
• Bagchi will succeed Sashidhar Jagdishan, whose term as HDFC Bank MD & CEO ends on 26 October 2026.
• Anup Bagchi will serve as HDFC Bank’s MD & CEO for a three-year term, with his remuneration and other terms subject to RBI approval.
• Bagchi, aged 56, is currently the MD & CEO of ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company Ltd., a position he has held since 19 June 2023.

About Anup Bagchi :

• Anup Bagchi has more than three decades of experience across banking, capital markets, wealth management and insurance and has been associated with the ICICI Group since 1992.
• Bagchi has held key leadership positions including CEO & MD of ICICI Securities, Executive Director of ICICI Bank, and MD & CEO of ICICI Prudential Life Insurance.
• He served as Executive Director of ICICI Bank from 2017 to 2023, overseeing retail, business and rural banking, followed by wholesale banking.
• During his tenure at ICICI Bank, its retail mortgage portfolio crossed ₹2 trillion, making it the first private-sector lender in India to reach this milestone.
• Earlier, Bagchi served as MD & CEO of ICICI Securities from May 2011, where he worked on retail and institutional broking, wealth management, financial-product distribution and corporate finance.
• Bagchi also contributed to the development of ICICIdirect’s online trading platform and ICICI Bank’s internet banking platform, highlighting his experience in digital financial services.
• His career has covered treasury, retail banking, wholesale banking, investment banking, capital markets, wealth management and digital financial services.
• Bagchi served as Chairman of ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company until May 2023 and was also a director of ICICI Prudential Pension Funds Management Company and ICICI Home Finance.
• Before becoming MD & CEO of ICICI Prudential Life, Bagchi served as its Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer (COO) from 1 May 2023.
• Anup Bagchi will become the first outsider to occupy the MD & CEO position at HDFC Bank, after spending more than three decades with the ICICI Group.
• This marks the second instance of an insurance-company CEO becoming the head of a major private-sector bank; earlier, Amitabh Chaudhry, former CEO of HDFC Life, became MD & CEO of Axis Bank.

About HDFC Bank:

• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• Tagline: "We understand your world"

Anup Saha Appointed Kotak Mahindra Bank Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer for Three-Year Term

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the appointment of Anup Kumar Saha as the Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO) of Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited. for a three-year term effective from 1 January 2027.
• The RBI approval was received on 30 September 2026 under Section 35B of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
• The appointment of Anup Kumar Saha is subject to further formalities, including approval from the members of Kotak Mahindra Bank.
• Anup Kumar Saha, currently serving as Whole-Time Director (Executive Director) of Kotak Mahindra Bank, will succeed Ashok Vaswani as MD & CEO from 1 January 2027.
• Ashok Vaswani will complete his term as MD & CEO of Kotak Mahindra Bank on 31 December 2026 and will not seek reappointment due to personal reasons.
• Ashok Vaswani assumed office as Kotak Mahindra Bank’s MD & CEO on 1 January 2024, succeeding Uday Kotak.

About Anup Kumar Saha :

• Anup Kumar Saha joined Kotak Mahindra Bank in January 2026 and has overseen the Retail Bank, Data Analytics and Marketing functions since March 2026.
• Anup Kumar Saha has more than 32 years of professional experience, including around 25 years in financial services across banking and non-banking financial institutions.
• Before joining Kotak Mahindra Bank, Saha was associated with Bajaj Finance Ltd. from 2017, where he held several senior leadership positions and became Managing Director & CEO in April 2025.
• Saha resigned as MD & CEO of Bajaj Finance in July 2025, after serving in various roles including President (Consumer Finance), Deputy CEO, Executive Director, Deputy MD and MD & CEO.
• During his 14-year association with ICICI Bank, Saha held senior positions and handled businesses/functions covering Retail Secured Assets, Retail and Rural Collections, Credit Cards, Retail Structured Finance and Business Intelligence.
• At ICICI Bank, he also served as Senior General Manager and Group Product Head, overseeing areas such as retail home loans, vehicle loans, developer funding and credit-card businesses.
• Earlier, Saha worked with GE Capital from 1999 to 2003, where he handled credit cards, sales and analytics.

About Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited :

• Founded : 1985
• Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Lieutenant General Akhilesh Kumar Assumes Command of Indian Army’s 1 Corps

• Lieutenant General Akhilesh Kumar assumed charge as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 1 Corps of the Indian Army on 1 October 2026.
• 1 Corps, also known as Strike One Corps, is headquartered at Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, and is one of the Indian Army’s principal offensive/strike formations.
• Lt Gen Akhilesh Kumar succeeded Lieutenant General V. Hariharan as the GOC of 1 Corps.
• A Strike Corps is a major military formation maintained for rapid offensive operations and a high level of operational readiness.
• Before taking command of 1 Corps, Lt Gen Akhilesh Kumar served as Additional Director General, Discipline & Vigilance, in the Adjutant General’s Branch of the Indian Army.

About Lieutenant General Akhilesh Kumar :

• Lt Gen Akhilesh Kumar was commissioned into the 4th Battalion, Rajputana Rifles on 13 June 1992.
• He is an alumnus of Sainik School, Tilaiya and the National Defence Academy (NDA), Pune.
• Lt Gen Akhilesh Kumar holds an MSc from Madras University and a Master’s in Management Studies from Osmania University.
• He has more than 34 years of military service experience across diverse terrains and operational environments, including the Line of Control (LoC).
• During his career, he commanded his parent unit, 4th Battalion, Rajputana Rifles, and also served as Commander of a Rashtriya Rifles Sector in Jammu & Kashmir.
• He also served as the General Officer Commanding of an Infantry Division under a Strike Corps, giving him experience in large-scale operational command.
• Lt Gen Akhilesh Kumar has been awarded the Sena Medal (Distinguished) and Vishisht Seva Medal for his distinguished and meritorious service.
• He also received a General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) Commendation Card from the South Western Command for his contribution to the Indian Army.

Bimal Patel Sworn In as Judge of International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea

• Bimal N. Patel, an Indian jurist and academician, was sworn in as a Judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) on 1 October 2026 at its headquarters in Hamburg, Germany.
• Patel will serve a nine-year term from 2026 to 2035 at ITLOS, which adjudicates disputes relating to the law of the sea.
• Bimal Patel was elected as an ITLOS Judge on 18 June 2026 at the 36th Meeting of States Parties to UNCLOS held at the United Nations Headquarters, New York.
• Patel secured 115 votes out of 168 valid votes in the election, while seven members were elected to the Tribunal at the meeting.
• Patel’s appointment continues India’s representation at ITLOS following the completion of the tenure of Neeru Chadha.
• Patel has been a Member of the United Nations International Law Commission (ILC) since January 2023 and served as Chair of its Working Group on Succession of States in respect of State Responsibility.
• Patel is the Vice-Chancellor of Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), Gandhinagar, and has contributed extensively to international law, law of the sea, maritime governance, international adjudication, and State responsibility.
• Patel is also a Member of India’s National Security Advisory Board, Member of the Committee on Antarctic Governance, Co-Chair of the Law of the Sea Interest Group of the American Society of International Law, and Member of the High-Level Advisory Board of the International Committee of the Red Cross.
• He served as the Lead Academic Adviser during India’s tenure on the United Nations Security Council in 2021–22.
• Patel has contributed to the development of major Indian institutions including Gujarat National Law University and Gujarat Maritime University, besides serving as Vice-Chancellor of Rashtriya Raksha University.

About International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) :

• The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) is an independent international judicial body established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
• The headquarters of ITLOS is located in Hamburg, Germany, and the Tribunal consists of 21 independent members elected by the States Parties to UNCLOS.
• ITLOS members are elected with due regard to equitable geographical distribution and representation of the principal legal systems of the world.

Narendra Bhooshan Takes Charge as Environment Secretary

• Narendra Bhooshan, a 1992-batch IAS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, assumed charge as Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) on 1 October 2026.
• He was appointed to the post on 30 September 2026 by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) and succeeded Tanmay Kumar, a 1993-batch IAS officer of the Rajasthan cadre, who superannuated on 30 September 2026.
• Before joining MoEFCC, Narendra Bhooshan was serving as Secretary, Department of Land Resources, under the Ministry of Rural Development from 1 April 2026.
• Following Bhooshan’s transfer, Dilip Kumar, a 1995-batch IAS officer of the Punjab cadre and Director General (Training), Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, was appointed as Secretary, Department of Land Resources.
• Bhooshan has more than three decades of administrative experience, with assignments covering energy, infrastructure, industry, agriculture, urban development, finance, and land-resource management.
• The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is a Union Ministry of the Government of India responsible for environmental policy, forest administration, wildlife conservation, and climate-related matters.
• A Secretary is a senior administrative position in the Government of India, generally held by officers of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and other All India Services.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

Indian Army Conducts Exercise Jai Se Vijay Near India-Pakistan Border in Rajasthan

• The Indian Army conducted Exercise Jai Se Vijay on 29 September 2026 near the India-Pakistan International Border in Rajasthan.
• The exercise was conducted by the South Western Command, also known as Sapta Shakti Command.
• A stretch of National Highway-911 (NH-911) near Dantour, Rajasthan, was converted into a temporary military runway for helicopter operations.
• The exercise was conducted under the theme “Mission Ready, Future Ready”, highlighting operational preparedness and flexibility for future battlefield conditions.
• The drill tested the Army’s operational preparedness, mobility, rapid response, situational awareness, and ability to use alternative landing sites during changing battlefield conditions.
• Rudra, Dhruv, and Chetak helicopters of the Army Aviation Corps participated in the exercise and carried out precision landings and take-offs on the highway.
• Rudra is the armed version of the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), while Dhruv is the indigenous Advanced Light Helicopter.
• Chetak is the Indian licence-built version of the Aérospatiale Alouette III
• The participating helicopters are used for reconnaissance, transport, casualty evacuation, and support missions.
• The exercise demonstrated the use of dual-use civilian infrastructure, such as highways, for military aviation and contingency operations.
• Using NH-911 as an alternative landing site helps provide aviation support when permanent airbases or helipads are unavailable, damaged, or unsuitable during emergencies.
• The exercise also tested coordination among pilots, ground crews, and other operational teams, along with the ability to operate in challenging desert conditions involving wind, blowing sand, heat, and reduced visibility.
• The use of road-runways supports dispersed operations, rapid movement, logistics, air mobility, and contingency response in sensitive border areas.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

SatLeo Labs to Launch India’s First Commercial CubeSat Thermal Payload and Full-Stack Thermal Intelligence Platform

• SatLeo Labs, an Ahmedabad-based space-tech startup, developed TAPAS-1 (Thermal Access Platform for Analytics & Solutions), India’s first dedicated commercial CubeSat-category thermal payload.
• TAPAS-1 was launched on October 2, 2026, aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket as part of the Transporter-18 rideshare mission.
• Dhruva Space, an Indian private space company, deployed its LEAP-2 (Launching Expeditions for Aspiring Payloads) mission, which hosted multiple In-Orbit Demonstration (IOD) payloads.
• The launch took place from Space Launch Complex 4E (SLC-4E), Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, USA.

Key Highlights :

• TAPAS-1 is described as India’s first dedicated commercial Long-Wave Infrared (LWIR) Earth-observation payload.
• TAPAS-1 uses Thermal Infrared (TIR) sensing to capture temperature information that cannot be obtained through conventional optical satellite imagery.
• The mission will validate SatLeo Labs’ thermal-sensing technology, payload performance and data-processing capabilities in orbit.
• TAPAS-1 is the opening flight of India’s first full-stack commercial thermal intelligence platform developed by SatLeo Labs.
• SatLeo Labs plans to establish PYRO, its flagship thermal intelligence constellation, comprising approximately 10–15 thermal imaging satellites by 2029.
• SatLeo Labs plans to launch TAPAS-2 by mid-2027, and the satellite is already in the manufacturing stage.
• TAPAS-2 will combine Medium-Wave Infrared (MWIR), Long-Wave Infrared (LWIR) and optical sensing capabilities.
• The company is considering both Indian launch vehicles and private launch providers for the TAPAS-2 mission.
• SatLeo Labs’ planned PYRO mission will include a 150-kg-class microsatellite carrying multiple sensing bands.
• The technology is designed to support climate monitoring, agriculture, urban heat mapping, disaster management and infrastructure monitoring.
• SatLeo Labs aims to measure land-surface temperatures at higher spatial resolution and frequency than currently available datasets.
• SatLeo Labs has received Letters of Intent (LOIs) worth approximately US$52 million from seven to eight prospective customers in India and abroad, including the Middle East, Australia and the USA.
• TakeMe2Space, another Indian space-tech startup, launched its MOI-1A satellite during the Transporter-18 mission.
• MOI-1A enables customers to run Artificial Intelligence (AI) models directly in orbit on Earth-observation data, processing imagery before transmitting insights to Earth.
• The 14-kg MOI-1A satellite carries 117 trillion operations per second (TOPS) of onboard computing capacity, 2 TB of storage and a nine-band multispectral imager.
• MOI-1A’s onboard processing is designed to reduce the need to transmit large volumes of raw satellite imagery to Earth and supports applications such as agricultural monitoring, mining and supply-chain intelligence.
• Sodern ArianeGroup, a France-based company, also contributed a star tracker to the LEAP-2 mission.
• The Transporter-18 mission carried a total of 130 payloads.

T-Mobile and Reliance Jio Launch World’s First 5G Standalone Roaming Service via Syniverse

• T-Mobile (US) and Reliance Jio (India) have launched the world’s first 5G Standalone (5G SA) roaming connection, enabled through interoperability with Syniverse.
• The new service allows T-Mobile customers travelling in India to access 5G SA roaming on Reliance Jio’s network.
• Reliance Jio customers travelling in the United States will be able to access T-Mobile’s 5G SA network through the new roaming arrangement.
• The 5G SA roaming connection is enabled by Syniverse, which provides the interoperability required between the two telecom networks.
• 5G Standalone (5G SA) operates on a 5G core network, enabling capabilities such as higher speeds, lower latency and more reliable connectivity compared with earlier network architectures.
• The technology can support advanced applications including Internet of Things (IoT), real-time communications, immersive technologies, enterprise services and AI-enabled applications.
• 5G SA roaming is particularly important for applications that require consistent, high-performance connectivity across international networks.
• T-Mobile is the second-largest telecom service provider in the United States, while Reliance Jio is an Indian telecommunications company.
• Indian telecom operators, including Reliance Jio, already have 4G international roaming arrangements with global carriers, which are generally offered to customers through roaming packs.

Tata Steel Extends Joint Letter of Intent with Netherlands for Green Steel Project at IJmuiden

• Tata Steel has extended its Joint Letter of Intent (JLoI) with the Government of the Netherlands and the Province of North Holland to support its Green Steel Project at IJmuiden, Netherlands.
• The JLoI was originally signed in September 2025 between Tata Steel Nederland, Tata Steel Limited, the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, and the Province of North Holland.
• The JLoI has been extended by five months until 1 March 2027, giving the parties additional time to resolve outstanding matters and work towards a final tailor-made agreement and Final Investment Decision (FID).
• The original non-binding JLoI included potential state backing of up to €2 billion for the Green Steel Project.
• The Green Steel Project aims to make steel production at IJmuiden more sustainable, cleaner, healthier and future-proof, while reducing carbon emissions.
• The project seeks to support the long-term future of the Dutch steel industry while improving the living environment around the IJmuiden facility.
• Tata Steel Nederland, the Province of North Holland and the Environmental Agency are exploring options for the safe, responsible and controlled closure of the coke and gas plants.
• Several key permitting procedures have already been initiated for project-related infrastructure, including the wind barrier, coverages and Green Steel Project installations.
• Tata Steel is also implementing a cultural transformation programme and working to strengthen its management, governance and compliance functions.

Technology Development Board Partners with Multi Nano Sense Technologies for ₹37.51 Crore Research Development and Innovation Support for Indigenous Multi-Gas Sensor Platform

• The Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, has signed an agreement with Multi Nano Sense Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Nagpur, Maharashtra, for financial support of ₹37.51 crore under the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund.
• The project has a total approved cost of ₹75.02 crore, with TDB support being provided through Optionally Convertible Debt (OCD).
• The project focuses on developing a Platform MEMS + AFE SoC Multi-Gas Sensor to advance the technology from Technology Readiness Level (TRL)-4 to TRL-9.
• Multi Nano Sense Technologies is developing an indigenous MEMS TCDIR gas sensor integrated with a CMOS Application-Specific Front-End (AFE) System-on-Chip (SoC) for compact, reliable and scalable multi-gas detection.
• The sensor platform combines a MEMS-based sensing element with a custom AFE SoC for signal acquisition, processing and intelligent gas sensing.
• The technology is designed for applications such as gas-leak detection, process control, and health and safety monitoring.
• Potential application sectors include refineries, petrochemicals, power, PNG infrastructure, industrial safety, batteries and the hydrogen economy.
• The sensor platform is being developed with high sensitivity, low power consumption, miniaturisation and intelligent signal processing, making it suitable for advanced industrial applications.
• The technology is designed to operate across a wide temperature range and in demanding industrial environments, with features such as auto-calibration and environmental-parameter compensation.
• The platform will also incorporate software-based gas-library processing to improve gas identification and monitoring capabilities.
• The targeted response time is less than 200 milliseconds, enabling rapid gas detection and monitoring for industrial safety applications.
• The sensor package is designed to have a compact size of less than 25 mm × 25 mm × 15 mm, creating potential for battery-operated and embedded applications.
• The RDI-supported programme will enable further development, integration, testing, validation and scale-up of the sensor and AFE SoC platform, with the ultimate goal of reaching TRL-9.
• The project falls under the Deep Technology sector, with Quantum Technology identified as the sub-sector.
• The project strengthens indigenous technology capabilities by integrating MEMS, semiconductor electronics and intelligent sensing for advanced multi-gas detection.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill Create Major Records in One-Day International Cricket

• Rohit Sharma achieved two major milestones during India’s second One-Day International (ODI) against the West Indies at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati.
• Rohit became only the third Indian batter to score 12,000 ODI runs, joining Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli in the elite group.
• He reached the milestone with a single off Roston Chase in the 16th over, with his 73rd run of the innings.

Key Highlights

• Rohit reached 12,000 ODI runs in 282 innings, becoming the second-fastest batter to reach the mark.
• Virat Kohli achieved it in 242 innings, while Sachin Tendulkar took 300 innings.
• Ricky Ponting and Kumar Sangakkara reached the milestone in 314 and 336 innings, respectively.
• Rohit, who made his ODI debut in 2007, reached 12,000 runs in 290 matches, including 34 centuries and 62 half-centuries.
• Rohit also became the first batter in ODI history to hit 200 sixes in a single country.
• His sixes against the West Indies took his tally to 200 sixes in India. The previous record was held by Chris Gayle, who had hit 147 ODI sixes in a single country.
• Rohit scored 101 runs off 75 balls, including 10 fours and 6 sixes, at a strike rate of 134.67.
• Rohit and India captain Shubman Gill registered a 255-run opening partnership, which became the second-highest opening partnership for India in men’s ODIs.
• The Indian record remains with Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly, who scored 258 runs against Kenya at Paarl in 2001.
• The Rohit-Gill opening pair has now accumulated 3,058 runs in 47 innings at an average of 66.47, including 9 century partnerships and 16 fifty-plus partnerships.
• Rohit also holds the record for the highest individual score in men’s ODI cricket, having scored an unbeaten 264 against Sri Lanka in Kolkata in 2014. He is the only batter to have scored three double-centuries in men’s ODI cricket.
• Shubman Gill created another major record in the same match by scoring the fastest double-century in ODI cricket. He reached 200 runs in 117 balls during India’s chase.
• Gill surpassed the previous record held by Ishan Kishan, who reached his double-century in 126 balls against Bangladesh in Chattogram in 2022.
• Gill became only the second batter after Glenn Maxwell to score an ODI double-century while chasing. Maxwell had scored an unbeaten 201 against Afghanistan at Mumbai in 2023.
• With this achievement, Gill became only the second batter after Rohit Sharma to score multiple double-centuries in men’s ODI cricket.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

International Coffee Day 2026 on 1 October

• International Coffee Day is observed annually on 1 October to recognise the importance of coffee and the contributions of people involved in the coffee sector.
• Coffee originated in the Horn of Africa and South Arabia. It is prepared from roasted coffee beans, which are ground into fine particles and steeped in hot water to make the beverage.
• The International Coffee Organisation (ICO), established in 1963, officially declared International Coffee Day. The observance was launched in Milan.
• The 2026 theme is “Celebrating Coffee, Honouring the People Behind Every Cup.” The theme highlights the economic, social, environmental and cultural importance of coffee, along with its contribution to livelihoods, rural development, food security and sustainable agrifood systems.
• In 1977, the International Coffee Association celebrated International Coffee Day in China.
• The United States declared its National Coffee Day in 2005, while different countries observed coffee-related days on different dates.
• In 2015, the International Coffee Organisation officially announced that International Coffee Day would be observed on 1 October.

World Vegetarian Day 2026 on 1 October

• World Vegetarian Day is observed annually on 1 October to promote awareness about vegetarianism and its health, humanitarian and ethical aspects.
• A vegetarian is a person who does not consume meat, fish or poultry. A vegetarian diet commonly includes vegetables, fruits, seeds, whole grains, tofu and spinach, along with other protein-rich foods.
• Vegetarian diets are associated with several potential health benefits. Studies indicate that a vegetarian diet may help maintain good health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and certain types of cancer.
• The North American Vegetarian Society (NAVS) founded World Vegetarian Day in 1977.
• In 1978, the International Vegetarian Union endorsed World Vegetarian Day.
• According to the North American Vegetarian Society, the day was established to create awareness about the health, humanitarian and ethical aspects of a vegetarian lifestyle.
• World Vegetarian Day also aims to promote life-enhancing possibilities associated with vegetarianism and encourage people to enjoy a variety of vegetarian dishes.

International Day of Older Persons 2026 on 1 October

• International Day of Older Persons is observed annually on 1 October to recognise the contributions of older people and raise awareness about issues affecting ageing populations.
• According to the United Nations, a person aged over 60 years is referred to as an older person.
• Older persons contribute to society through their knowledge, experience and ideas, while also playing important roles in families and communities. They often support family members and share their experiences and stories with younger generations.
• The United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 45/106 in 1990, officially designating 1 October as the International Day of Older Persons.
• The day was first observed on 1 October 1991.
• The 2026 theme is “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives.”
• The World Assembly on Ageing, held in 1982, adopted the Vienna International Plan of Action on Ageing, which provided an important foundation for international action on ageing and the subsequent establishment of the International Day of Older Persons.

International Translation Day 2026 on 30 September

• International Translation Day is observed annually on 30 September to recognise the important role of translators in connecting people, cultures and nations.
• Translation is the process of converting words or text from one language into another while preserving the original meaning.
• It also helps people understand the cultures and languages of different communities.
• On 24 May 2017, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 71/288 and officially designated 30 September as International Translation Day to recognise the contribution of translators in interconnecting nations.
• 30 September was selected because it is the feast day of Saint Jerome, the translator of the Bible who is regarded as the patron saint of translators.
• The observance is promoted by the International Federation of Translators (FIT), which was established in 1953.
• In 1991, the International Federation of Translators launched the idea of International Translation Day to promote solidarity among the translation community and strengthen recognition of the translation profession.

Daily CA One- Liner: October 3

• Tamil Nadu launched the expanded Vetri Payanam Thittam in Chennai on 2 October 2026
• The Government of India, in consultation with the Union Territory Administration of Ladakh, has officially identified 28 places and geographical features in Ladakh using standard names on the Survey of India official map
• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved implementation of the Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) Project by Delhi Police at an estimated cost of ₹1,789.52 crore, including taxes
• The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the Green Energy Corridor Phase-III (GEC-III) Scheme to strengthen India’s Intra-State Transmission System (InSTS) and facilitate the evacuation of up to 135 Gigawatt (GW) of renewable energy across States and Union Territories
• India has added 5 new sites to the UNESCO Tentative List of World Heritage, taking the country’s total number of sites on the Tentative List to 78
• The traditional Mandar musical instrument of Jharkhand, which is deeply associated with the state's folk culture and tribal life, has received a Geographical Indication (GI) Tag, providing official legal recognition to its distinctive geographical and cultural identity
• The Central Government has sanctioned more than ₹1,200 crore to 10 states under the Prime Minister Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana as part of efforts to strengthen agricultural development, improve farmers’ livelihoods and enhance food security
• Scientists at the Institute of Advanced Virology, Kerala have developed a Dengue Early Warning System using machine learning, epidemiological data and weather variables to forecast dengue trends at the district level and help public-health authorities take preventive action before outbreaks intensify
• The Gujarat Government has initiated the restructuring of the Porbandar Forest Division to strengthen forest management and facilitate the rehabilitation of Asiatic lions in the Barda area, which is being developed as a “second home” for the big cats amid the rising lion population in the state
• The Ministry of Labour and Employment has launched the 90-day “Shram Samvad” awareness campaign to improve understanding and implementation of the four Labour Codes
• The Ministry of Steel, Government of India, on 28 September 2026, announced the establishment of the Steel Industry Safety Council (SISC) as an apex-level industry safety body under the administrative control of the Ministry of Steel
• Gujarat Government will honour Captain Smit Machchhar with the Visisht Gujarat Garima Award for his extraordinary courage and bravery during the Flydubai flight FZ1073 incident
• Skytrax, an international air transport rating organisation, announced the World Airline Awards 2026 at a ceremony held at the Langham Hotel in London, United Kingdom
• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and SkyPulse Solutions IFSC Private Limited have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop a framework for the acquisition, financing, leasing, deployment and lifecycle support of HAL-manufactured helicopters
• Rohit Sharma achieved two major milestones during India’s second One-Day International (ODI) against the West Indies at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati.
• Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has signed a US$150 million loan agreement with IIFL Home Finance Limited (IIHFL) to expand affordable housing finance for low-income women in India.
• Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman laid the foundation stone for the ₹1 trillion Rayalaseema Horticulture Hub at Madanapalle, Andhra Pradesh.
• The United States (US) Department of Defense (DoD) has launched Project Meridian, a 120-day initiative to assess how emerging technologies could reshape future warfare and identify capabilities required for the next-generation battlefield.
• HDFC Bank has appointed Anup Bagchi as its new Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO) following approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the appointment of Anup Kumar Saha as the Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO) of Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited. for a three-year term effective from 1 January 2027.
• Lieutenant General Akhilesh Kumar assumed charge as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 1 Corps of the Indian Army on 1 October 2026.
• Bimal N. Patel, an Indian jurist and academician, was sworn in as a Judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) on 1 October 2026 at its headquarters in Hamburg, Germany.
• Narendra Bhooshan, a 1992-batch IAS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, assumed charge as Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) on 1 October 2026.
• The Indian Army conducted Exercise Jai Se Vijay on 29 September 2026 near the India-Pakistan International Border in Rajasthan.
• SatLeo Labs, an Ahmedabad-based space-tech startup, developed TAPAS-1 (Thermal Access Platform for Analytics & Solutions), India’s first dedicated commercial CubeSat-category thermal payload.
• T-Mobile (US) and Reliance Jio (India) have launched the world’s first 5G Standalone (5G SA) roaming connection, enabled through interoperability with Syniverse.
• Tata Steel has extended its Joint Letter of Intent (JLoI) with the Government of the Netherlands and the Province of North Holland to support its Green Steel Project at IJmuiden, Netherlands.
• The Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, has signed an agreement with Multi Nano Sense Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Nagpur, Maharashtra, for financial support of ₹37.51 crore under the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund.
• International Coffee Day is observed annually on 1 October to recognise the importance of coffee and the contributions of people involved in the coffee sector
• World Vegetarian Day is observed annually on 1 October to promote awareness about vegetarianism and its health, humanitarian and ethical aspects
• International Day of Older Persons is observed annually on 1 October to recognise the contributions of older people and raise awareness about issues affecting ageing populations
• International Translation Day is observed annually on 30 September to recognise the important role of translators in connecting people, cultures and nations